1958 Porsche 356 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (136 HP @ 2600 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1958 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1958 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 880 kg more than 1958 Porsche 356. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (360 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Porsche 356. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1958 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1958 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Porsche 356 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 356 | E |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1735 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 80 L |
